James D. Flower was an Air Force veteran, retired mail carrier

COLUMBIA — James D. Flower Sr. of Columbia died Friday, Dec. 27, 2013. He was 75.

Mr. Flower was born on Jan. 28, 1938, in Oelwein, Iowa, to Richard and Jessamine (Bacon) Flower.

He married Norma Jean Sallee on May 29, 1959.

Kathy Freese, his daughter, recalled how affable her father was.

"My dad always had a joke to tell," she said. "Once he met you, he always remembered you."

Mr. Flower was an Air Force veteran and a retired letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service.

He attended the Parkade Baptist Church in Columbia.

He enjoyed attending his grandchildren's softball games, soccer games and dance recitals.

Mr. Flower competed in a bowling league for retired seniors. He also enjoyed playing guitar, fishing, wood working and photography.

He liked to attend gospel music events with his friend, Carolyn Hopper, who became a close friend after Mr. Flower's wife died, Freese said.

Mr. Flower is survived by his son, James D. Flower Jr. and his wife, Kim; his daughter, Kathy Freese of Columbia and her husband, Bill; four grandchildren, Sam Flower, Caity Flower, Kyle Freese and Shannon Freese.

Mr. Flower was preceded in death by his wife, a brother and a sister.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Memorial Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a graveside service in Memorial Park Cemetery.